BOISE, Idaho — Republicans pledged to defend Idaho’s ban on same-sex marriage from a legal challenge, while Democrats favor letting similar cases elsewhere proceed rather than dedicating taxpayer resources to what they believe will be a losing battle.

The lawsuit is the first challenge to Idaho’s constitutional ban of same-sex marriage since the U.S. Supreme Court made two key decisions bolstering the legal status of such marriages last June.

The couples, who are represented by two local attorneys and the National Center for Lesbian Rights, contend that Idaho’s laws violate the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of equal protection and due process.

Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter on Friday told reporters it was his responsibility to stand up for Idaho’s Constitution.